Sworsky leads Alexandria over Minnesota, 9-4

The Alexandria Blizzard\’s Tyler Sworsky had a big offensive game, scoring one goal and contributing four assists in his team\’s 9-4 win over the Minnesota Flying Aces.

Sworsky got on the board by slotting home a goal 5:17 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Alexandria. Bo Gronseth assisted on the tally. Sworsky dished an assist on Eric Hewitt\’s goal that made the score 3-1 Alexandria at 2:16 into the second period. He then added assists on Gronseth\’s goal at 3:24 into the third, on Tony Arias\’s goal at 4:29 into the third, and on Gronseth\’s goal at 6:40 into the third.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 18:26 into the third period. Six fighting penalties were dished out along with four game misconducts.

Alexandria forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up nine minors and three majors for 63 minutes in penalty time. The Blizzard had been averaging 24.0 minutes in penalties per game. Alexandria forced Flying Aces\’ goalies to work between the pipes, racking up 40 shots and forcing 31 saves. Kevin OShea made 24 stops and Alec Horwitz made seven. The Blizzard\’s goal total was higher than their season average. This season, Alexandria averages 4.1 goals per contest. The defensemen of the Blizzard were also effective in Minnesota\’s zone, and came away with two goals.

The Flying Aces racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with seven minors and three majors for 49 minutes in penalty time. Minnesota surpassed its season average of 26.0 penalty minutes per game. The Flying Aces were ineffective while on the power play, as they were held to two goals off of nine man advantages.

Minnesota was led by Jake Mullendore, who racked up one goal and three assists. Mullendore scored 6:10 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Alexandria. Minnesota also got a goal from Bradee Thompson as well. More assists for Minnesota came via Jesse Brown, who had one.

Alexandria\’s Evan Bisek stopped 21 shots out of the 25 that he faced. The Blizzard registered one goal on six power play opportunities. Team\’s Hewitt, Resch, and Saunders were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game. For the Flying Aces, Joshua Malin and Tyler Arenz were ejected from the contest.